The bill S. 346 aims to amend Section 16-3-600 of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning assault and battery offenses. It specifically establishes that a person who unlawfully injures a health care professional while they are performing their duties, or injures someone within a health care facility, will be charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The penalties for such offenses are increased, with a maximum imprisonment of thirty years for assaults against health care professionals or within health care facilities, compared to a maximum of twenty years for general assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

Additionally, the bill outlines definitions for terms such as "great bodily injury," "health care facility," and "health care professional," and specifies the penalties for various degrees of assault and battery, including first, second, and third degrees, with increased penalties for offenses committed against health care professionals or in health care facilities. The bill also clarifies that these offenses are lesser-included offenses of more severe charges, such as attempted murder. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/13/2025: 16-3-600
Latest Version: 16-3-600